There's a revolution happening, didn't you know? - Fashion Revolution Week

If you're in the fashion space, or are concerned with where your clothes come from and how they are made, then you would have heard of Fashion Revolution.
This week is fashion revolution week! The week where we push consumers to question where their clothes are being made.

Image via Instagram: @fash_rev

This is a matter very close to my heart, especially as I own a slow-fashion label. For me it isn't only about questioning where our clothes, accessories and shoes come from, but where our food is coming from, our skin care products, our homeware. Anything which we consume has a story and one which I believe should be told openly and honestly.

Fashion Revolution week aims to draw more attention to the issue of how our clothes are being made and to force brands into operating in a more transparent way. Brands ask their workers to hold signs saying 'I made your clothes' to show the talent behind their creations and demonstrate that they conduct business in a transparent way, as part of Fashion Revolution.

Image via Instagram: @fash_rev

How did Fashion Revolution come about?

It was founded after the infamous Rana Plaza factory collapse in Bangladesh, which was responsible for the death of 1,138 factory workers. 

Is Fashion Revolution the marvel that it sounds to be?

We've got to start somewhere. In my opinion there are a lot of things lacking from the movement which prevents it soaring forward in the way it could. Every year the conversation seems to be very similar to the last, with very little development in terms of messaging and subject. I understand that this still isn't a 'mainstream' movement as such, but in my opinion we should be doing more to show case this revolution in the most positive light - especially during Fashion Revolution week.
I would love to see more focus on showcasing more brands which are running transparent, honest and fair businesses, demonstrating how fashion pieces can be unique, beautiful and handmade in a socially-responsible way AND affordable too! I would love to see brands not only showcasing who their workers are, but coming forward, sharing their story and, most importantly, guiding other brands into doing the same. The hardest part for designers and consumers is often knowing how they can take the necessary steps towards change. I would love Fashion Revolution week to be flooded with excessive amounts of examples of brands which are doing their part to make a positive impact, because there are so many brands running their businesses this way. Let's lead by example and lead one another into understanding how to make this possible in a more constructive way.

Why should  I care?

The fashion industry is thought to be one of the worst industries the world in terms of environmental and social impact. As consumers, but particularly as women, there is a constant pressure to think about the clothes we are wearing and because of this there is an over consumption of clothing, with much of it ending up in landfill. The fashion industry is in a pretty disastrous state and your actions could contribute towards positive change both in the fashion injury and for the planet too.

'I believe that as consumers, it is our job to dictate the narrative. Only in changing demand are we able to affect the supply.' - HUX

Which leads me onto the most important part of this feature:

What can I do to make a difference and contribute towards fashion revolution?

1. Push brands to become transparent 

Don't be afraid to question brands and their choices. You have a right to know the journey of your products. By pushing them into transparency, it will make them more conscious of their processes and hopefully in turn force them into refining their processes for the better. 

Image via Instagram: @fash_rev

2. Start shopping slow

Shopping slow refers to 2 things: 1) Consuming at a slower rate (that is to say keeping what you own for longer and shopping less). 2) Shopping with brands which produce their products in a slow way (that is to say producing handmade products, in a thoughtful, socially-conscious way). 

3. Up-cycle and re-cycle

One of the main things you can do to contribute is keep what you already have. Shop in second hand stores an change those pre-loved wears into re-loved ones! Lastly, re-vamp what you alerady own or even make your own clothes.

Join the fashion revolution. Follow the example and lead the way to making positive change in the fashion industry! 

Yasmine